ARKELL'S has put one of its pubs into what it says is one of Swindon's safest pairs of hands.

Formerly known as Bar Cuba, and originally the Lamb and Flag, the Bridge Street pub has been relaunched as The Flag.

New landlord Simeone Benoit, known as Ben, also runs Doorsafe,which provides security staff for pubs and clubs.

He said: "I've been running my venue door security business for more than 25 years and have more than 80 staff working at 27 venues across the West of England and into the Midlands.

"But I've wanted to run my own pub for a while and taking over at The Flag seemed like a great opportunity to get to know the trade better from the business side of the bar."

Ben, 49, is aiming for a traditional pub atmosphere, offering customers a social environment where they can spend time chatting to bar staff if they wish.

He explained: "In the other bars on Bridge Street staff have to serve rather than chat, and customers can't smoke at the bar.

"We want to return to a more relaxed and sociable venue mind you, we'll welcome any customers as long as they drink and behave themselves!"

James Arkell, managing director of the brewery, has welcomed his company's newest landlord.

He said: "Ben knows Swindon's nightlife better than most, and already has plenty of the experience he'll need to run a successful pub.

"We're delighted that he's taking over The Flag and this is one pub that won't have any problem with difficult customers!"

To help him, Ben has already employed two managers who themselves know Swindon's pub life well. Nick Mercer worked at The Bedroom bar, while Elizabeth Stevens comes from Yates's Wine Lodge. Ben said: "We'll be flying The Flag as a cool, traditional pub with a sociable, welcoming atmosphere and playing great music."